How to Prepare for Emergencies with an Autistic Loved One

For many people with autism any disruption of their routine is overwhelming, and a real emergency situation is enough to throw anyone off-balance. So, if you have a loved one with autism, it pays to prepare as best you can before an emergency arises. Use the following tips to prepare your autistic loved one and your whole family:

Consider attaching an identification sticker to the door or window of an autistic person’s home to prepare a person coming in to help.

Create or purchase a medical alert tag, bracelet, or other notification that identifies a person with autism.

Network with relatives, friends, and others to establish a web of contacts for assistance if needed.

Register the person on the autism spectrum with the community 911 service as a person with a disability.

Have an evacuation plan, and review and practice it frequently with the person on the autism spectrum.

Project a sense of calm. People with autism often sense and reflect your emotion.